Chesterfield cigarettes are among the oldest cigarette brands still on sale. The brand dates to 1896 and is named after Chesterfield County, Virginia. Philip Morris acquired it in 1999, and today Altria owns it, and its subsidiary Philip Morris USA produces it. Outside the US, Philip Morris International handles the range in many markets.
In the 1930s through the 1950s, the brand sponsored popular radio programs. It also appeared in motorsport sponsorships and in film and fiction. Today it is positioned as a value brand, with a Virginia-style tobacco blend, simple packaging and a short list of core variants.
Chesterfield Cigarette Varieties
The lineup varies by country. Most markets center on three colour-coded core variants, with extras added or dropped over time.
Chesterfield Red
Red is the full-flavor option, with a stronger, more traditional tobacco taste. It is the flagship of the range. In the UK it is also sold in packs of 10, as well as the standard 20.
Chesterfield Blue
Blue is the lighter, smoother variant, with a milder taste and lower tar and nicotine yields than Red. In the US test of filtered varieties, the blue pack was labeled as the “Lights” option.
Chesterfield Menthol
Menthol adds a cooling mint note to the Virginia-style blend. In the US it was tested in a green pack, while in the UK and Ireland it appears alongside Red and Blue.
Chesterfield Silver and Other Regional Variants
Some European price lists show a wider range of products. Austrian price notices have listed Chesterfield Silver, True Blue, True Red and Twice alongside Red and Blue. A later notice shows names such as Original, Remix2 and Unplugged Blue and Unplugged Original. Range changes like these show how often the brand adjusts its portfolio by market.
Flavors and Taste Profile
Unlike brands that sell many flavored products, the flavor options are limited:
- Full flavor (Red): A robust, traditional tobacco taste with a firmer draw.
- Smooth or light (Blue): A gentler taste for smokers who prefer a milder cigarette.
- Menthol: A cool, minty finish layered over the tobacco blend.
- Silver and specialty lines: Typically positioned as ultra-light or lower-yield options where available.
Trade press described the original UK launch as using a Virginia blend meant to give a “distinctive, smooth flavour.” Flavor perceptions are subjective, and the same variant can differ slightly between countries because of local regulations on ingredients and additives.
Sizes and Pack Formats
Chesterfield cigarettes come in several formats depending on the market:
- King size: The standard length, usually sold in packs of 20.
- Superking size: PMI added Superking Red and Menthol in the UK, with packs of 19 at the same recommended price as King size.
- 100s (long): Listed in Austria for Red and Blue.
- Small packs: Packs of 10 exist in some markets, such as the UK.
Pack sizes and plain-packaging rules vary widely. Many countries now require standardized packs with large graphic health warnings, so what you see in one country may look very different in another.
Brand History in Brief
The brand began in the late 19th century and grew into one of the best-known American cigarettes of the early 20th century. Slogans like “It satisfies” and “Blow some my way” became part of advertising history. Radio shows such as The Chesterfield Hour ran from 1939 to 1944.
Several things have happened since:
- 1999: Philip Morris acquired the brand.
- 2011: Philip Morris created Red, Blue and Menthol variants for the UK market.
- 2018 to 2019: Non-filter Chesterfields were reportedly discontinued in the US, followed by limited testing of filtered Reds, Blues and Menthol. Note that this point is flagged as needing a citation on the source page, so treat it with some caution.
Pricing and Positioning
Chesterfield is sold as a low-priced brand. At launch in the UK, a pack of 20 had a recommended retail price of £5.75. Today’s prices are different and depend on local taxes. Tobacco taxes, minimum price laws and plain-packaging rules shape what smokers pay far more than the brand does, so check your local retailer for current figures.
How to Spot Authentic Chesterfield Cigarettes
Counterfeit and illicit cigarettes are a problem in many countries. Consumers and retailers can reduce the risk by:
- Buying from licensed retailers only.
- Checking for tax stamps or track-and-trace markings where required.
- Reading the health warnings and manufacturer information on the pack.
- Being wary of prices far below the local market rate.
Chesterfield Cigarettes FAQ
Who makes Chesterfield cigarettes?
In the US, Philip Morris USA, a subsidiary of Altria, makes them. In many other markets, Philip Morris International manufactures and distributes the brand.
What are the main Chesterfield varieties?
The core range is Red (full flavor), Blue (lighter) and Menthol. Some markets also have Silver, Original, Superking and other regional editions.
Do Chesterfield cigarettes come in menthol?
Yes. Menthol has been offered in the UK and Ireland, and it was part of the US test lineup.
Are Chesterfield cigarettes still sold in the US?
Chesterfield has had a limited US presence in recent years, and non-filter versions were reportedly discontinued. Availability varies by state and retailer.
Is Chesterfield a premium or budget brand?
It is generally positioned as a value brand, priced below premium names such as Marlboro in the markets covered here.
Are Chesterfield cigarettes safer than other brands?
No. Every cigarette brand carries serious health risks. “Light” or “smooth” labeling does not make a cigarette safer, and many countries restrict those descriptors for that reason.
Where can I get help quitting?
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about nicotine replacement and prescription options. In Bangladesh and elsewhere, national quitlines and local health services can also help, and many smokers need several attempts before quitting for good.
Final Thoughts
Chesterfield cigarettes combine more than a century of history with a simple modern range: Red for full flavor, Blue for something lighter, and Menthol for a cooler finish. Sizes, pack formats and extra variants differ by country, so always check your local market. Whatever the brand, tobacco use is harmful, and adult smokers who want to quit have more support available today than ever before.